Current Student News
Physician Assistant
General News
New Orleans, La., may be known for its parties and celebrations but a team of five from the University’s Physician Assistant (PA) program were not there to party; they were there to compete nationally with other PA students across the country in the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) Challenge Bowl, during the AAPA conference held May 18 - 23.
The Challenge Bowl is a national competition that takes place among second-year students in Physician Assistant Studies’ programs that compete in teams to answer field-related questions up to five rounds, each round knocking out competitors.
Salus has participated in the Challenge Bowl annually. This year’s team was made up of three primary members Alex Gothier, ‘18PA; Erik Baish, ‘18PA; and Kalley Veit, ‘18PA. There were two alternate members as well, class president Michael Guerriere, ‘18PA; and Bridget Gallaher, ‘18PA. David A. Smith, PA-C, assistant professor was the faculty sponsor for the team. The students were previously selected to be on the team by participating in a mock challenge bowl, spearheaded by Smith. “All [the] team members are always professional, affable, strong students who excel in both the didactic and clinical setting,” he said.
AAPA is the only national conference for PAs, and is filled with opportunities for professionals and students to learn about new advances in the profession through presentations, workshops, and poster presentations. Students who attend especially look forward to the AAPA Challenge Bowl portion of the conference as a chance to demonstrate the knowledge they have gained in their respective programs.
During National PA Week, which is typically observed in early October, the Salus Alumni Association recognizes a Physician Assistant Alumnus who will receive the Physician Assistant Alumnus of the Year Award. This year’s recipient is Jennifer M. Heibel, MMS ’15, PA-C. She will receive the award at a special reception held on campus by the Alumni Association in the fall. The award recognizes the professional contributions and achievements of graduates and friends of the institution. Awardees are nominated by alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of Salus.
